MP horrified as Bedwyn and Pewsey ruled out of electrification

First published
in News
Last updated
by Anna Mauremootoo, Senior reporter for Marlborough and Pewsey

MP Claire Perry says she is horrified that the latest rail consultation rules out electrification of the train line to Bedwyn and Pewsey.

She met commuters at Pewsey station this morning to discuss her response to the Department for Transport's consultation on the future of the Great Western franchise.

The Devizes constituency MP has written to Stephen Hammond, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, saying she is horrified by the options offered in the Government consultation, which closed yesterday.

The section of consultation effecting Bedwyn and Pewsey passengers is based on having diesel-only services west of Newbury.

This is despite the Great Western Electrification Study report, published last June by consultants Arup, recommending extending electrification to Bedwyn.

The consultation asked whether a diesel service from Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury to Newbury connecting into a fast service to London, or a diesel service from Reading to London Paddington, would be best post electrification to Newbury.

These two options would mean there would no longer be any through services from Bedwyn to Paddington.

Related links

The consultation will effect proposals for the next five-year franchise period which starts in September 2015.

Mrs Perry said: "A lot of people are worried that we are going to lose the station and that is not going to happen but it is important for people to know and understand what is going on.

"I have spoken to people who have said that they live here because of the rail links and say they would not be able to get to work with out it.

"There are businesses as well that are here because of the rail links so it is vital that fast and frequent rail links are maintained.

"I don't want it to be seen as a secondary station so people who are travelling to London have to change at Newbury."

Mrs Perry handed out copies of her letter to Mr Hammond during the morning commute and plans to speak to more train users at the station in the future as well as visiting Bedwyn station.

Christopher Lacy-Hulbert, of Ramsbury, who uses the 7.19am service to London Paddington during the week, said: "I'm very pleased with the service. People complain about trains but really it's usually quite reliable, although tickets are extortionate.

"We are lucky to have someone like Claire who is willing to fight for the service.

" I don't think there is a danger of losing the station but there is talk of reduced services. If the 6.35am train was to go it wouldn't effect me but this is the most popular service and it's important that we keep it."

Comments (3)

There are a lot more important things to be horrified about all of which are evident in The Smirker's constituency. It is obviously a blow that electrification won't reach these parts but meanwhile people are having to go cap in hand to a food bank because of this horrible Government's policies. There is only so much money about and it should be used to the maximum effect to benefit the most needy. If that means some don't get shiny new trains but everyone gets to eat it's fine by me.

There are a lot more important things to be horrified about all of which are evident in The Smirker's constituency. It is obviously a blow that electrification won't reach these parts but meanwhile people are having to go cap in hand to a food bank because of this horrible Government's policies. There is only so much money about and it should be used to the maximum effect to benefit the most needy. If that means some don't get shiny new trains but everyone gets to eat it's fine by me.chrisbizarre

The viability of these stations depends on the commuter traffic - At a time when your own party is foisting increased development into the villages and demanding more new homes, half-arsing the infrastructure needed to support these is a big hole in what is supposed to be a joined up policy.

Commuters bring a lot of economic activity into these villages and as you will no doubt be absolutely clear, they RELY on links to paddington. Take away those links and the consequences are obvious

OK - so you're horrified - WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT
The viability of these stations depends on the commuter traffic - At a time when your own party is foisting increased development into the villages and demanding more new homes, half-arsing the infrastructure needed to support these is a big hole in what is supposed to be a joined up policy.
Commuters bring a lot of economic activity into these villages and as you will no doubt be absolutely clear, they RELY on links to paddington. Take away those links and the consequences are obviousIncoming !

Many lanes in North Wiltshire have been closed for months due to electrification work. As a cyclist I've been forced on to main roads on many occasions. Will it be worth it in the end? I doubt it.

Many lanes in North Wiltshire have been closed for months due to electrification work. As a cyclist I've been forced on to main roads on many occasions. Will it be worth it in the end? I doubt it.jezercalne